Math Competition Guide: What You Need to Know
If you love solving puzzles and battling numbers, you’ve probably heard about math competitions. From school‑level contests to world‑renowned Olympiads, they offer a chance to test your skills, win awards, and boost your college profile. This guide breaks down the most popular contests, explains how they’re different, and gives you clear steps to start preparing right now.
What Are the Major Math Competitions?
The math world has a few flagship events that attract students from all over. The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the gold standard for high‑schoolers; it’s a two‑day, six‑problem exam that tests deep problem‑solving ability. In the United States, the Putnam Competition is the go‑to for undergraduates – eight challenging problems in four hours, with a reputation for being brutally tough.
Across the UK, the STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) is used by top universities like Cambridge and Warwick. STEP questions are longer and require detailed reasoning, making it a good bridge between school math and university‑level study. There are also national contests such as the Indian National Mathematics Olympiad (INMO) and the Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad (APMO), each with its own format and eligibility rules.
How to Prepare Effectively
First, pick the competition that matches your current level. If you’re in high school, aim for the IMO or your country’s national Olympiad. If you’re already in college, the Putnam is the natural next step. Once you know the target, gather the right resources. Classic books like “Problem‑Solving Strategies” by Arthur Engel or “The Art of Problem Solving” series are excellent for IMO‑style problems. For Putnam, look at past papers and solutions posted by universities – they show the typical trickiness you’ll face.
Set a regular practice schedule. Even 30 minutes a day of solving a single problem can build intuition faster than a marathon session once a week. After you finish a problem, spend as much time reviewing the solution as you did solving it. Ask yourself why each step works and where similar ideas might appear in other problems.
Join a study group or an online forum. Talking through a tough question with peers often reveals shortcuts you missed on your own. Websites like AoPS (Art of Problem Solving) host forums for IMO, Putnam, and STEP, where you can ask for hints and see how top students think.
Don’t forget mock exams. Simulate the real test environment: time yourself, work without notes, and stay quiet. This builds stamina and helps you manage exam pressure. After each mock, mark every mistake and create a “mistake journal” to track patterns – maybe you miss geometry proofs or struggle with combinatorial arguments. Fix those gaps with focused practice.
Finally, keep the fun alive. Math competitions are intense, but they’re also about enjoying clever ideas. Celebrate small wins, and treat every problem as a puzzle rather than a chore. With consistent effort, the right resources, and a supportive community, you’ll see steady improvement and increase your chances of scoring high in any math competition.